Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fix Our Forests Act with a vote of 279-141.

"Congress is once again coming together and passing long overdue reforms to bring commonsense back into forest management. In the wake of the horrific wildfires in Southern California, it is clear there is no more time to waste. Today, the House took action to prevent future catastrophes as we passed the Fix Our Forests Act, which will empower land managers and agencies to use science-based tools to restore health to our nation’s forests and turn the tide against this historic wildfire crisis." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"The House passed the Fix Our Forests Act because good leaders prepare for emergencies. The current California leadership failed to prepare for the ongoing wildfires and chose to prioritize far-left climate policies over efficient forest management and wildfire prevention. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Westerman, the House is governing by common sense so we can restore the health of our forests and make communities more resilient to these disasters." - Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.)

"The destruction and devastation in LA is a reminder of the incalculable human toll of these fires. While we can't stop every fire, smart changes to policy will help prevent fires, limit their spread, and make them less destructive. Our bill will help us protect where nature meets homes, pre-position firetrucks and other resources in high-risk areas, and build homes more resistant to fire. I implore my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up this bill." - U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.)

Background

The Fix Our Forests Act is a historic and comprehensive package that will encourage active forest management and support community resiliency to wildfires by expediting environmental analyses, reducing frivolous lawsuits and increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration projects. 

The bill will:

• Simplify and expedite environmental reviews for forest management projects
• Make communities more resilient to wildfires by better coordinating existing grant programs and promoting new research
• Promote federal, state, tribal and local collaboration
• Deter frivolous litigation that delays essential projects
• Create a framework for prioritizing treatments in the forests at the highest risk of wildfire and near vulnerable communities
• Encourage the adoption of state-of-the-art science and techniques for federal land managers
• Encourage active management to improve the safety of powerlines and other infrastructure
• Strengthen tools like Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting
• Support wildland firefighters and their families by ensuring continuity in casualty assistance programs

The legislation passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 279-141. It now awaits action in the Senate.

To learn more, click here